please join us for the alder shiva bidar-sielaff …...unfortunately, my time as president of the...

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May 2019 Newsletter | regentneighborhood.org Last fall, Alder and Chief Diversity Officer at UW Health, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff was honored by Centro Hispano with the Centro Visionary Award. The award is given to a person who consistently strives for Centro’s greater vision of a thriving Latino community. Along with working as a board member at Centro and supporting their fund development work, Shiva has been a supporter of the Escalera program at West High School. Centro’s Escalera is an evidence-based bilingual academic support and college readiness after-school program for low-income Latino youth in Madison who may otherwise have difficulty accessing these resources due to economic, social, or legal status. It has a track record of success at East and West High School—100% of the students enrolled in Escalera have graduated over the past 3 years in comparison to 69% of Latino students in the school district. To recognize her commitment to our community and neighborhood, the RNA is contributing $2,500 to West High School’s Escalera program to support continuing that success. To learn more about and support the work of Centro Hispano and Escalera visit micentro.org n Alder Shiva Bidar-Sielaff Receives Centro Hispano Visionary Award Please join us for the 2019 RNA Spring Membership Meeting Monday, May 20, 7 p.m. at the new Midtown Police Station 4020 Mineral Point Road Guest Speaker: Rep. Sheila Stubbs (Read her message on page 3.) Also, meet Captain Jay Lengfeld and take a tour of the station. Refreshments from Pasture and Plenty Renew Your RNA Membership and contribute to the RNA West High Scholarship Fund with the enclosed form or online. (See page 3 for more.)

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Page 1: Please join us for the Alder Shiva Bidar-Sielaff …...Unfortunately, my time as president of the RNA is coming to an end. I have served two years and it is time to pass the torch

May 2019 Newsletter | regentneighborhood.org

Last fall, Alder and Chief Diversity Officer at UW Health, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff was honored by Centro Hispano with the Centro Visionary Award. The award is given to a person who consistently strives for Centro’s greater vision of a thriving Latino community. Along with working as a board member at Centro and supporting their fund development work, Shiva has been a supporter of the Escalera program at West High School.

Centro’s Escalera is an evidence-based bilingual academic support and college readiness after-school program for low-income Latino youth in Madison who may otherwise have difficulty accessing these resources due to economic, social, or legal status. It has a track record of success at East and West High School—100% of the students enrolled in Escalera have graduated over the past 3 years in comparison to 69% of Latino students in the school district.

To recognize her commitment to our community and neighborhood, the RNA is contributing $2,500 to West High School’s Escalera program to support continuing that success. To learn more about and support the work of Centro Hispano and Escalera visit micentro.org n

Alder Shiva Bidar-Sielaff Receives Centro Hispano Visionary Award

Please join us for the 2019 RNA Spring

Membership Meeting

Monday, May 20, 7 p.m. at the new

Midtown Police Station 4020 Mineral Point Road

Guest Speaker: Rep. Sheila Stubbs (Read her message on page 3.)

Also, meet Captain Jay Lengfeld and take a tour of the station.

Refreshments from Pasture and Plenty

Renew Your RNA Membership and contribute to the RNA West High Scholarship Fund with the enclosed form or online. (See page 3 for more.)

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2 May 2019

2019 RNA Board Meeting Schedule

• May 20 (see p. 1) • September 26• June 24 • October 28• August 26 • November TBA

The RNA Board meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Best Western InnTowner at 2424 University Avenue. These meetings are open to the general public. Agenda items are solicited through the RNA listserv or can be emailed to RNA President Mary Czynszak-Lyne at [email protected].

A Note from the President —

Greeting Neighbors!

Unfortunately, my time as president of the RNA is coming to an end. I have served two years and it is time to pass the torch to another neighbor. It has been an honor to serve as the RNA president, thank you.

We are excited to announce our Spring membership meeting on Monday, May 20, 2019, convening at 7:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the new Midtown Police Station at 4020 Mineral Point Road. Officers will be on hand to give a tour of the station. Captain Jay Lengfeld will give brief remarks with time for questions. We are also excited that Representative Sheila Stubbs is able to join us and share her thoughts about being our newly-elected representative. Please join us!

Additionally, we will be electing table officers and board members-at-large for the upcoming year. Having served as president, president-elect, secretary, and at-large, I have found being a part of the process to improve our neighborhood very rewarding, and a great way to meet neighbors. I encourage you to consider volunteering your time to serve on our board. To inquire about serving on the board or to express interest, please email me at [email protected]

Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank each of the RNA board members for all of their work and commitment. Additionally, many thanks to Shiva Bidar, our alder, and Jeremy Levin, our County supervisor, for their dedication representing our citizens.

The Regent neighborhood is the best neighborhood in the city.

Best regards —

Mary

RNA Board President Mary Czynszak-Lyne

Regent Neighborhood Assn.P.O. Box 5655Madison, WI 53705

OfficersPresident / UW Relations Chair Mary Czynszak-Lyne [email protected]

Vice President/President-Elect OPEN

Secretary / Newsletter Editor Megan Heneke [email protected]

Treasurer Steve Scheller [email protected]

Past President/Membership Chair Dan O’Callaghan [email protected]

Board MembersKaren Christianson [email protected]

Ronnie Hess [email protected]

Tim Lacy Development & Preservation Chair [email protected]

Jen McDonald School Relations Chair [email protected]

Jon Miskowski [email protected]

Charlie Peters Streets & Transportation Chair [email protected]

Betsy Repaske Festival Chair [email protected]

Ron Rosner [email protected]

Mary Sarnowski Communications Chair [email protected]

Eric Wiesman Sustainability Chair [email protected]

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regentneighborhood.org 3

The RNA membership has moved into the digital age! You are now able to become a member or renew your membership online by visiting: donorbox.org/rna-membership

As a member of the RNA, you will receive the annual membership directory delivered to your door. Your membership also supports production of the RNA newsletter distributed to all neighborhood residents four times a year and the many neighborhood activities supported by the RNA. Membership is $5 for an individual, $10 for a family, and $25 for a business or organization. The annual membership cycle runs from June through May.

The online form also provides you with the opportunity to make a donation to the RNA’s West High Scholarship Fund! Online payments are handled safely and securely through donorbox.org, a company that serves more than 8,000 organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Boys & Girls Club.

If you prefer the mail, use the enclosed form or find the membership form at the RNA website. Or, as is a tradition for many of us, bring your form, membership gift and scholarship gift to the RNA tent at the Fourth of July Festival. Thank you for supporting your neighborhood. n

Become a Member or Renew Your Membership Online!

Join or renew online!

As the newly-elected representative to Wisconsin’s 77th Assembly District, I am excited to have been given the opportunity to represent this wonderful district and the Regent Neighborhood. It is an honor and privilege that the 77th Assembly District has trusted me with this duty, and it is one that I will not take lightly. As your Representative, I want to be involved in this district and other neighborhoods I represent as much as possible. I would like to be an advocate and resource for the Regent Neighborhood Association.

In addition to representing the 77th District in the Wisconsin Legislature, I have also served on the

Dane County Board of Supervisors since 2006. I have thoroughly enjoyed the work I do on the Dane County Board. I ran for the State Legislature because I wanted to serve my community and state to make a lasting impact on a greater scale. My legislative priorities center on protecting the environment, commonsense gun control, making healthcare accessible and affordable, finding a sustainable transportation solution that improves access to mass transit, and addressing Wisconsin’s racial disparities.

I am extremely excited to engage with the Regent Neighborhood Association, to hear your input and be a part of your community. It is my goal to work hand in hand with you to make our neighborhoods, our district, and our state a better place to live.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office, 18 West in the State capitol building, or by phone and email at (608) 266-3785 and [email protected] n

A Message From Representative Sheila Stubbs

Representative Sheila Stubbs

RNA Membership and Scholarship FundEnclosed you will find the Regent Neighborhood Association membership form. Proceeds from RNA membership contributions pay for our quarterly newsletter and annual directory and support neighborhood projects such as the pollinator garden, the West High pantry, and Franklin and Randall school improvements. Thank you for making this investment in our neighborhood.

Also consider making a contribution to the RNA Scholarship Fund created with the purpose of acknowledging and celebrating the diversity, the energy, and the enthusiasm that the West High

School students add to our neighborhood. Two $2,500 needs-based awards are given to graduating seniors who have demonstrated engagement in multicultural activities both in school and in the Madison community while demonstrating a commitment to academic pursuits. Make your gift to help us reach our $5,000 goal. Thanks! n

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4 May 2019

Welcome to Our New Advertisers—

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regentneighborhood.org 5

After almost six years of planning, Healing House at 303 Lathrop St. will open its doors in May. The team at Madison Urban Ministries (MUM) has been busy with indoor renovations for the past several months and is actively pursuing furniture and appliance donations from local businesses. A dedication ceremony is being planned for Saturday, May 4. The team at MUM is so inspired and thankful to the community that has rallied to make this much needed service become a reality. If you are interested in donating items or have any questions about Healing House, please contact Terri at: [email protected].

Healing House in the Regent Neighborhood will be the first respite center for homeless families in Wisconsin. In the United States there are 68 medical recuperative centers providing 24/7 care for individuals who are homeless and Healing House will be the first family-based center nationally.

In Dane County, the average age of a homeless person is 9 years old. Families with children make up the largest percentage of individuals who are homeless in Dane County and each year Madison-

Dane County Health Department see 70–90 pregnant women who are homeless, who give birth and are discharged back to the streets. During their (up to 28-day) stay at Healing House families will work with the Road Home to secure transitional or permanent housing so they are not leaving Healing House back into homelessness. Healing House will offer an array of supportive services to the families to help them heal and transition into housing. Service components will include 24/7 shelter with meals, linkage and referrals to appropriate community services, Housing Case Management, assistance in enrolling for eligible community programs, visiting nurse services as appropriate and eligible, transportation to an from medical follow-up appointments, assistance with employment training skills, workshops relating to parenting, relaxation, managing chronic medical conditions, nutrition, etc. (voluntary). The program goals of Healing House include: an 85% reduction in hospital readmission and/or emergency room visits, improved birth outcome for infants born to mothers who are homeless, 70% of families utilizing Healing House will have obtained housing at the time of their discharge, 100% of Healing House participants will be connected with additional community supportive services to assist tem in their transition from homelessness to housing. n

Healing House to Open in Mayby Terri Johnson, Healing House Coordinator, Madison-Area Urban Ministry

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6 May 2019

238-3434CressFuneralService.com

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regentneighborhood.org 7

Sometimes the Southwest Path is assumed to be only a bike path. In the right season, joggers, walkers, mothers with baby strollers, and dogs with their owners use the Path while passing by bright prairies of native plants. Equally important, the corridor and prairies are homes for animals, birds and insects while retaining stormwater on its way to Lake Wingra.

The prairies are especially important to the diminishing numbers of Monarch Butterflies. Butterfly habitat is on the decline due to increased industrial farming and use of pesticides along the migratory routes, contributing to an alarming drop in Monarch Butterflies. The prairies along the Path serve as waystations for Monarchs passing through our neighborhoods on their way to the West Coast of California or mountainous sites in Central Mexico.

Two such waystations are sponsored by the Regent Neighborhood Association. The first is the Regent Neighborhood Pollinator Garden at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and the Path. Over 60 different species of native plants beautify a once underutilized space, with most plants chosen because the nectar provides food for the Monarchs. An added feature are stone and wood benches for passersby to sit for a spell and enjoy the breeze, the colors, the birds and butterflies.

The other is Prospect Gardens, jointly sponsored with the Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association. A mixture of prairie plants, perennials and edibles cover 6,800 sq. ft. around the Prospect and Fox Avenue ramps to the Path. Ruby red raspberries, when in

season, attract families, grandparents and their grandchildren. To learn more about Prospect Gardens see gardensprospect.blogspot.com n

Southwest Path Is More Than Just For Bikesby Jake Blasczyk, Prospect Gardens Crew Chief

Prospect Gardens: The Impact of Volunteers

Volunteer For the Gardens!Recruiting volunteers for our neighborhood gardens is a constant challenge. Recruiting the future generation of volunteers is especially challenging and puts our prairie gardens at risk. If you have thoughts on how to overcome this challenge, contact Jake (info at right).

• To join the Prospect Gardens crew, contact Jake Blasczyk, Prospect Gardens Crew Chief, at [email protected]

• To help the Regent Neighborhood Pollinator Garden, contact David LeZaks at [email protected]

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8 May 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I am honored to serve as your alder for another term and look forward to continuing to do all I can to make our City a great place to live, learn, work, and play for all residents. Here are some updates:

• The City is continuing its historic preservation planning process. We have had three public input meetings in each historic district, including University Heights. The Landmarks Ordinance Review Committee (LORC) on which I sit is discussing changes to the ordinance. Please email me with your feedback or attend any of the LORC meetings. For details and updated info about the planning process, visit cityofmadison.com/dpced/planning/the-historic-preservation-plan/1761

• University Avenue from Farley/University Bay Drive to Shorewood Blvd. is slated for reconstruction in 2020–21. Stay tuned for the public input sessions!

• In conjunction with the City Streets department, we are proposing to expand the Snow Emergency Zone and the Clean Streets/Clean Lakes (CSCL) program to the entire Regent Neighborhood. This means that instead of the nightly winter shuffle to find a legal parking spot along the street for the overnight hours for those currently living on alternate side parking blocks, there will only be a once per week four-hour block of time between 8 a.m.–4 p.m. where cars cannot park along the street. Alternate side parking rules would only be enforced during the few declared snow emergencies

we have in a winter season instead of being enforced November 15 to March 15 regardless of weather conditions. Since year round CSCL means vehicles will be moved off the street regularly throughout the year, the street will be cleaner and snow plowing and other services will improve. I have received very positive feedback from residents about this proposal and hope it will start being implemented by Fall 2019.

Thank you for your continued involvement in neighborhood and city issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, questions, and/or concerns. I can be reached at [email protected] or (608) 220-6986. n

Alder Report — District 5

Last fall, Alder Shiva Bidar-Sielaff was honored by Centro Hispano with the Centro Visionary Award.

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regentneighborhood.org 9

Dane County Board Report — District 10I hope this edition of the RNA Newsletter finds you and your family well. Many of you contacted me as you saw news articles that reported on the deteriorating relationship between Dane County and the Henry Vilas Zoological Society (HVZS) over the contractual public-private partnership. I wish I could say that I had had more advance knowledge, but other than overlooking a memo sent out Friday evening from the County Executive’s Chief of Staff, I found out from a constituent who contacted me on a Sunday morning, two weeks before the contract was due to expire. While it seems a few Supervisors had some knowledge, the rest of us were in the dark. The amount of memos, letters, press releases and other contacts have been head-spinning and unfortunately muddied any clear view of what occurred to jeopardize this successful public-private partnership.

I reached out to Henry Vilas Zoological Society and the County Executive’s office, and I looked into the relationship, read documented background materials and everything that was flooding my inbox. Ultimately, I never brought into the false narrative that the Henry Vilas Zoo would lose Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) unless our relationship with HVZS was significantly altered, because AZA’s biggest concerns from their 2018 inspection were animal welfare and facilities. Unfortunately, the timing being so compressed means the County Board couldn’t even pass a resolution before the contract with HVZS expired at the end of March. This is where the whole process and outcome seemed to be a fait accompli engineered by the County Executive.

I saw no reason to end or jeopardize a 100+ year relationship of HVZS with the zoo or the County’s

management of the zoo. I think HVZS should’ve done what they do best, raising funds and providing services that will produce funds for the sustainability of the zoo. I think the County should’ve concentrated on the management and day-to-day care for animal welfare. My worst fear is that the County will end up paying more for a zoo of lesser quality. As much as this process has upset and frustrated me, I do hope those who have supported the zoo will continued to do so. The zoo is an asset to our community and one that I hope everyone will enjoy for many years to come.

In other news, my work on the Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources (EANR) Committee was presented with the Yahara Chain of Lakes - Lake Level Task Force recommendations at our April meeting. These recommendations include both short and long-term recommendations that seek to position the County to better deal with future flooding events. While the task force references “lake levels” I believe the most important component will revolve around “flow” and getting the water out of the Yahara Chain of Lakes as quickly as possible.

Should you or your family have an interest in specific Dane County projects or initiatives, please contact me at [email protected] or call me at 608.577.9335. n

Supervisor Jeremy Levin

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10 May 2019

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regentneighborhood.org 11

Reflecting On the Fifth Year of the Monroe Street Farmers Market by Jeannette LeZaks, outgoing board member of MSFM

Just over four years ago, I responded to a Regent neighborhood email about whether any neighbors were interested in helping to form a new local farmers’ market. My interest was piqued. I had recently moved to the Regent neighborhood after living for a few years a block from both the

Westside and Hilldale farmers’ markets. I was spoiled, to be certain. Every Wednesday and Saturday, I could see the market stalls being set up from my window. It made market shopping very easy. But after moving neighborhoods, I was forced to plan a bit further ahead. Of course, Madison is known for its farmers’ market bounty. I could jump in the car, and drive 10 minutes in any direction on any given summer Saturday, and I was bound to bump into a farmers’ market. Give me 20 minutes and a bicycle, and the same thing would happen. But there is something about a farmers’ market that is right around the corner that felt so right.

So it was that in March of 2015, I was sitting in a living room of the now-manager of the Monroe Street Farmers Market holding my five-month-old on my lap, mulling around the idea of whether a smaller community-run farmers’ market would be viable. The dozen people that showed up for that meeting thought through the logistics that went into creating a farmers’ market. We knew we couldn’t compete with the big markets on Saturday, but could we hold our own with a Sunday market? How could we find vendors with such a tight turnaround time? Where should the market be located? We needed a central location with relatively easy parking to accommodate more people. Luckily, Edgewood High School came through to volunteer their parking lot that mostly lays empty on the weekends. And with the dedication and drive of our self-appointed market manager, Luke Lippert, we had a market up and running by June of that year. And amazingly, people came and shopped. The vendors were happy. We had made the farmers’ market happen.

This May, we enter into the fifth year of the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market. We’ve changed only a little since inception, and arguably for the better. Each year, we have focused on curating a diversity in vendors that compete with any of the bigger markets. We strive to make the market experience easy and friendly for anyone coming to the market—whether that’s just a passerby or a dedicated regular. We support local musicians to give the market a special liveliness. And our community support has been overwhelming; not

only do we have dedicated customers, but we have volunteers that show up to help out and a governing board that is dedicated to making sure the market thrives. The market has become a place where friends and neighbors meet up and linger, in addition to getting everything they need for the week.

Last year’s road construction made for a difficult year for our vendors. But the market made it through the dust and construction equipment, and we are ready for another great year. You can expect to see many of your favorite vendors back again. Each Sunday starting the first weekend in May, you’ll find fresh vegetables and fruits, locally-pastured meats, cheeses, specialty items, gifts, prepared food, live music, family- friendly activities, and more. There is ample free parking available to all market visitors. Whether you are a regular market-goer or haven’t yet been, we hope you can take advantage of all that the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market has to offer the near-west side.

Stay apprised of market events, new vendor updates, and relevant news, by signing up for our weekly news-letter via monroestreetfarmersmarket.org n

Monroe Street Farmers’ Market • Every Sunday from May 5 until October 27 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Edgewood High School Parking Lot • monroestreetfarmersmarket.org

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12 May 2019

Now Accepting Memberships!

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regentneighborhood.org 13

Regent Market Co-op “Spring Fling” on May 19 with Blessed Sacrament by Greg Lawless, RMC Board Member

Last year, the board of directors and general manager at Regent Market Co-op confronted an unfortunate reality: we’re not currently generating enough profit (called “net margins” in co-ops) to redeem member bonds in 2022.

To learn more about our financial situation and what we’re doing about it, please attend our annual meeting on May 19 at 1pm at Blessed Sacrament. We’ll explain that we’ve hired a food co-op consultant with 30 years experience to help John Wendt analyze sales data. We expect to streamline inventory and may introduce ready-to-eat deli items and a bit more indoor seating.

What can our loyal customers do to help? “Pay forward.” By setting up an account at the cash register to pay in advance for groceries, you provide the store with the working capital we need to make some strategic changes.

We must also attract new customers from our neighborhood, which is growing younger and more transitory. That’s why we’re partnering with Blessed Sacrament this year to hold our annual “Spring Fling” from 2-5pm on May 19. We

hope to make it a larger community event with brats, beer, music and more! Questions? Contact [email protected]. n

You never change things by fighting the existing reality.

To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.

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14 May 2019

1501 Monroe St. Madison, Wisconsin 608.819.8230 I thewiserestaurant.com

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regentneighborhood.org 15

Nearly all the birds have answered the spring roll call, each contributing its unique song to a somewhat chaotic chorus. I do fairly well in distinguishing most of the tunes, thankful that our fine feathered friends are restricted to melodies. Lyrics would be problematic for me. I attended more rock concerts than classes during my San Francisco college days. My eardrums took a beating then and that trend has continued.

I humor myself daily by comparing what I hear to what students actually say. “Man, why sorrow and pensive?” is actually, “May I borrow a pencil?” The playground noise adds a greater challenge. I grant petitions not fully sure of what’s being requested. What I catch as “Can I go in please?” may actually be “Can I go in the trees?” My limitations have caused me to listen more attentively, a captured audience of sorts. This focus is akin to a skill I have been working on with our students - audience etiquette.

Years ago, while serving as a middle school principal, I worked with a master speech teacher who taught a required class to our 400 plus eighth graders. I marveled at his ability to build confidence and determination in each of the young orators in his care. I begged him his secret, which was “Train the audience.”

I took this to heart and spent some time recently with each of our classes discussing how we can take better care of those who are presenting to us. To no one’s surprise, the behavior of some students during these lessons built my case for needing to do more work in this area. I was, however, amazed and encouraged by how plugged in students already were in their understanding of the power and the responsibility of the audience.

I began each session with a round of Simon Says. I noted that the game is more about hearing than doing. We then considered a host of traits required to be honorable onlookers. I’m sure you can easily guess many of the elements we discussed. Some of the components are salient but silent. One such point we pondered was that of appreciation. Everyone has received a gift at some point in their lives that they didn’t really like. By going beyond the gift to the intent, we recognize that being a gracious receiver is our way of expressing our gratitude for someone’s effort. It also encourages us to be positive critics of what works and what doesn’t and to apply these lessons learned when the spotlight is ours.

Another phenomenon that surfaced was the desire and practice of some audience members to try to outperform the performers in an effort to steal the

show. We came to the conclusion that if you wish to wow the crowd, wait until it’s your time to shine on the stage.

Applause is another consideration. Accolades should be controlled and fitting to the performance. While “know your audience” is the mantra of the presenter, I’ve learned it goes both ways. A case in point: While cleaning up the Randall garden recently with a few scholars,we took pause to listen to the winged ones’ medley in a whispered game of Name that Tune. After a few still moments, I modeled a robust clapping of hands. The children joined me in a rousing affirmation of the singers’ sweet songs. I needn’t tell you how that went over with the birds.

Go Raccoons!

John

Greetings from Randall!

Principal John Wallace and company mix business with pleasure while working the Randall garden.

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16 May 2019

Quality Pilates in Your Neighborhood

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regentneighborhood.org 17

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18 May 2019

HAVE A SPARE ROOM?...and a welcoming smile?

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Must be on/near buslineRooms for international high school students Homestay compensationOngoing international adult student homestays needed

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Contact us for more information:

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Events Coming to Monroe Street in 2019

June 7 • Strolln’ Jazz June 15 • Jazz in the

Park June 21 • Make Music

Madison July 27 • Monroe Street

Sidewalk Sale Sep. 14 • Monroe Street

Festival Oct. 27 • Trick or Treat

on Monroe St. Nov. 30 • Small Business

Saturday Dec. 7 • Holiday Glow

on Monroe

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regentneighborhood.org 19

Blessed Sacrament School Opens a Montessori Children’s HouseBlessed Sacrament School is opening a Montessori Children’s House. A “children’s house” is a classroom serving children ages 3–6. The BSS Children’s House will operate alongside the single-age 3K and 4K classrooms already offered.

Some key components of the Montessori philosophy:• Play is Work—a child’s play is their work.• Key Developmental Stages—each child has his/

her own developmental pathway and there are key times, individual to each child, when he/she is most ready and able to learn specific skills.

• Multi-Age Classrooms—children can be exposed to the same “lessons” and learn more and different things from them at different times in their development. They also learn from their younger and older classmates.

• Classroom Environment/Materials—materials are tangible and hands-on. The belief is that early learning is best accomplished in a concrete way involving as many of a child’s senses as possible.

• Child-Centered Learning—the teacher sets out the learning curriculum in the classroom and it is the child who decides how and what they wish to learn about (with guidance from the teacher). Rather than fitting the child into the curriculum, the curriculum

is designed to meet what the child needs.• Uninterrupted Work Time—children have the

opportunity to work without interruption for extended periods. During this time, they may choose to work on one task for the entire time or work on several projects. Uninterrupted work time enhances concentration and eases anxieties that sometimes accompany frequent transitions.

For more information on registering for the Montessori program or other Blessed Sacrament School programs, contact the school office at (608)-233-6155 or visit school.blsacrament.org. n

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20 May 2019

Regent Neighborhood AssociationP.O. Box 5655Madison, WI 53705

This newsletter is a quarterly publication of the Regent Neighborhood Association with a circulation of 1,900. The deadline for the July edition is May 31, 2019. We welcome articles of general interest to the neighborhood about local history or personalities and discussions of local issues. Please send items or inquiries to Megan Heneke at [email protected]

Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.Spring Regent ResaleWest High School CafeteriaDonate and shop to support our schools at this event hosted by the Regent Neighborhood Association, West High, and Franklin/Randall Elementary Schools. All proceeds benefit West High and Franklin/Randall students, teachers, and classrooms.

What makes a great sale? Great donations! Please set aside gently-used, clean, working items that no longer serve a need in your household as donations for the Resale. Bestsellers include winter coats, clothing for all ages, sports equipment, bikes and strollers, books and board games, video games and systems, toys, cooking equipment, tableware, and furniture.

Please drop off contributions at West High School. Signs will guide you from Regent St. and Van Hise Ave. Drop-off continues between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday–Saturday, now through Friday, May 17. n

Sunday, May 19 Regent Market Co-op “Spring Fling” at Blessed Sacrament, 2116 Hollister AvenueRMC Annual Meeting at 1 p.m.Neighborhood Event 2–5 p.m.Brats, beer, music and more! Questions? Contact [email protected] n

Sunday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m.“Plants, Poetry and the Anthropocene,” a talk by Lynn Keller at the UW–Arboretum This event is part of Uprooted: Plants in a Changing Climate which explores how alterations in plant life due to climate change will shape our sense of place here in Wisconsin. Advance registration is requested (265-2500). Uprooted: Plants in a Changing Climate

was funded, in part, by the Wisconsin Humanities Council, a local non-profit residing near Hoyt Park. n

Sunday, June 2, 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.First Congregational Church Neighborhood PartyUniversity Avenue and Breese Terrace We love our neighborhood! There will be fun for the entire family with grilled brats, cake, face painting, and a bouncy house. Madison musician, David Landau will perform at noon. There will be a service project for those interested in making sack lunches for the Friends of State Street. This free event is open to the entire Regent neighborhood. For more information call the church office at (608) 233-9751 or email: [email protected] n

Thursday, June 21, 4 – 8 p.m. Make Music MadisonBethany United Methodist Church 3910 Mineral Point Road Join us on our front lawn to listen to musicians including Raine Stern (young singer/songwriter), Chromatix A Cappella Singers, The Madison Flute Club, and others. It’s all free, so bring your lawn chairs or blankets and join the fun. n

Announcements—

Join the RNA Listserv — groups.google.com/group/regentneighborhoodassn